Atletico Madrid want Lukaku to replace Costa

Friday 06 June 2014

Atletico Madrid are considering approaching Chelsea over the signing of Romelu Lukaku in an effort to replace Diego Costa, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

It’s claimed that Atletico considered moving for the Belgium international a year ago, when Radamel Falcao was on his way to Monaco. But Coach Diego Simeone felt Lukaku and Costa were too similar to play together and put instead his faith in David Villa.

But with Costa set to move to Stamford Bridge, the Spanish champions are in the market for two forwards, the report continues, of which Lukaku could be one. A figure of €25m is set as the starting point for talks regarding Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at Everton.

Chelsea are expected to sign three Atletico players - Costa, left-back Filipe Luis and midfielder Tiago, who played for Chelsea in 2004-05. Atletico are said to feel the amount of business between the clubs gives them a chance to talk about Lukaku.

Lukaku moved to Chelsea in 2011 from Anderlecht but has spent the last two seasons away from the club on loan. He was first with West Bromwich Albion, scoring 17 goals in 38 games, before his season with Everton produced 16 goals in 33 appearances.

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